Police funding sparks row over ‘ignoring’ top officers

Drink-driver fined £700

GOVERNMENT has been accused of ‘ignoring’ senior police officers calling for a cash boost.

Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Portsmouth, said Hampshire police’s grant remaining at the same level for 2018/19 as it was in the previous year meant there was a real terms cut.

The Home Office last month said police and crime commissioners can increase their share of council tax to make up more cash for police forces.

But Cllr Vernon-Jackson said not increasing the grant meant there was a £3.67m real terms cut.

The Conservative government says £9.6m could be raised in Hampshire by increasing council tax, which has been branded a ‘stealth rise’.